09.15.2019

SERVICE SUMMARY: The gospel of Jesus Christ isn’t good advice, it’s good news. It isn’t a list of things to do, it’s an announcement of what has already been done. It’s the story of the innocent life, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection of Jesus on behalf of the world. Yet too often we reduce it to an aphorism, an example, or a program. What would it look like to recognize that there is a dynamic power in the good news of Jesus? Join us this Sunday as we begin our sermon series Rooted: the Values that Enable us to Flourish.

REFLECTION:

Bad news travels at the speed of light; good news travels like molasses.

—Tracy Morgan

SCRIPTURE:

Isaiah 61:1–4, 7

1

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,

because the Lord has anointed me

to bring good news to the poor;

he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim liberty to the captives,

and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

2

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,

and the day of vengeance of our God;

to comfort all who mourn;

3

to grant to those who mourn in Zion—

to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;

that they may be called oaks of righteousness,

the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.

4

They shall build up the ancient ruins;

they shall raise up the former devastations;

they shall repair the ruined cities,

the devastations of many generations.

7

Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion;

instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot;

therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion;

they shall have everlasting joy.

Romans 1:15–17

15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

CONFESSION OF SIN

Our Father,

Forgive us for thinking small thoughts of you

and for ignoring your immensity and greatness.

Lord Jesus,

Forgive us when we forget that you rule

the nations and our small lives.

Holy Spirit,

Forgive us for minimizing your power

and squandering your gifts.

Triune God,We confess that our blindness to your glory has resulted in shallow confession, tepid conviction, and only mild repentance.